Folding box



D. LEVKOFF FOLDING BOX Feb. 22, 1944.

Filed April 2, 1942 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. 0/? van lav/r05.

ATTORNEYS.

D. LEVKOF F Feb. 22, 1944.

FOLDING BOX Filed April 2 1942 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. .7.

6 WE} z w 7 $1 wri ii ih IV- 3 a 7 W w w h H x w x INVENTOR. 0/1 We LEV/(OFF ATTORJi/EYS Patented Feb. 22, 1944 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE rommo BOX David Lcvkoif, Brooklyn, N. Y., assignor of onefonrth to Evelyn G. Levkofl, one-fourth to Benry S. Levkofl, and one-fourth to Edith Rose Levkoff, all of Brooklyn, N. Y.

Application April 2, 1942, Serial No. 431,347 1 claims. (Cl. 229-31) This invention relates to folding cardboard boxes and is an improvement over the folding box set forth in my U. S. Letters Patent No. 2,274,- 714 granted March 3, 1942.

In my prior patent above referred to, the folding box is constructed from a single blank of cardboard which is cut, scored, and foldable to assume a flat collapsed position during non-use. and by an easy and rapid manipulation, the box may be set up for use. When in set up position, the box is held against accidental collapsing by naps folded inwardly from two opposed outer walls of double wall structure. However. in the invention about to be described, the opposed locking flaps are foldable inwardly from the inner walls of opposed double wall structures, which enables inwardly foldable top flaps, cover flaps, or cover rest flaps to be formed integral with the opposed outer walls.

Other features of the invention will become apparent as the specification is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. in which,

Figure 1 is a plan view of the cardboard blank from which the box is constructed.

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the folding box in collapsed position.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the box in set up position with one of the top end flaps down and the other up.

Figure 4 is an enlarged detail vertical sectional view on the line 4-4 of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is an enlarged detail horizontal sec tional view on the line 5-5 of Figure 3.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a box having a hinged cover constructed in accordance with the invention.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a box having cover rest flaps constructed in accordance with the invention.

Figure 8 is a plan view of a blank embodying a modified form of the invention.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the blank shown in Figure 8 in folded set up position.

Figure 10 is an enlarged detail vertical sectional view on the line l0l0 of Figure 9.

Figure 11 is a perspective view of a further modification of the invention.

Referring to the drawings by reference characters, and at present to Figure 1, the letter A designates a substantially rectangular shaped blank of foldable cardboard which is scored on suitably spaced longitudinal score lines I0 and H inwardly of the longitudinal edges of the blank and parallel thereto. The blank is further provided with suitably spaced tra sverse scores "-42 inwardly from the ends of the blank. The aforementioned score lines divide the main portion of the blank A into a rectangular shaped bottom wall IS, an intermediate side wall forming panel B, and a narrow glue flap l4. The bottom wall i3 is bounded by one longitudinal side edge of the blank, score 10 and scores |2l2. The intermediate side wall forming panel B is bounded by the scores II), II, and l2l2. The glue flap I4 is bounded by the score H and adjacent free edge of the blank with its ends terminating free adjacent the scores l2l2.

The blank A is further scored on the transverse scores 5-15 which are parallel to the scores l2l2 and disposed outwardly thereof. The distance between the scores l2 and adjacent scores 15 predetermines the height of the end wall structure of the box. By reason of the scores l5|5, the blank is further formed with inner end walls 16-" and outer end walls lT--|'I. The inner end walls l6l6 are bounded by the scores IO, H, II, and IS. The outer end walls ll-ll are bounded by the scores l0, l2, l5 and the adjacent edge of the blank. Glue flaps Iii-i8 are connected to the inner end walls Iii-l6 along the score H and are adjacent the ends of the glue flap l4- and free of the same.

The side wall forming panel B is divided by a medial slit [9 into two like side walls 20-40, the ends of the slit terminating beyond the mid-portlon of the inner end walls Iii-I6. The inner ends of the slit I9 are connected by diagonal scores 2| provided in the inner end walls It and which extend to the corners defined by the intersection of the scores l0-l2 and lI-i2. The diagonal scores provide triangular corner folds or webs 22 which fold flat against the walls Iii-l6 when the blank is folded to box forming position.

Formed integral with the inner end walls I6-i6 and connected thereto along the hinge scores 15-45 are inwardly foldable end wall locking flaps 23-23 of a height and width substantially the same as the inner end walls lB-l6 to which they are respectively connected. Relatively narrow bottom wall engaging flaps 24-24 are connected to the flaps 23--23 along hinge scores 25-45. Connected to the outer end walls l (-41 along the hinge scores I5 are inwardly foldable top flaps 26, the outer sides of which may contain printed matter as well as the side and outer end walls.

l0, after which the glue sides of the flaps l4 and lO-ll are folded inwardly over the bottom wall l3 and outer end walls ll-ll respectively. The box is now in flat collapsed position (Fig. 2) for compact packing, shipping, and storage, and may, 5

by a subsequent simple manual manipulation, be further folded to set up position for use. To set up the box from its collapsed position shown in Figure 2, an operator grasps the two ends in the region of the inner end walls |5-| 5 and pulls l0 upwardly thereon to cause the outer end walls ll-l I. to pivot on the scores |2-|2, during which time the triangular webs 22-22 fold on the diagonal scores 2|-2|, and the side walls 20-20 swing upwardly to a position substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall i3. The operator may now fold the locking flaps 23-23 inwardly within the box on the scores |5-| 5 to a position to lie flat against the folded webs 22-22 at which time the end edges of the flaps 23-23 are in tight frictional contact with the side walls 20-20. Due to outside scoring of the scores i0 and II, the side walls 20-20 have a tendency to open up and with the end edges of the flaps 23-23 engaging the side walls 20-20 at their corners with the triangular webs 22-22, the box is secured against unfolding. The flaps 24-24 are now folded inwardly on the scores 25-25 to lie flat against the bottom wall is and brace the bottom and side walls at their ends. The box is now in set up position, but after articles are packaged therein, such as tomatoes, apples, or the like, the top display flaps 25-25 are folded inwardly on the scores |5-| 5. The entire box may now be wrapped in Cellophane and sealed, so that the contents of the box are readily visible for inspection.

In Figure 6 of the drawings, I have illustrated my invention embodied in a folding box in which a cover 25a takes place of one of the top flaps 25. The other top flap 25 is omitted to expose the space or pocket P defined by an outer end wall I! and adjacent spaced apart wall I5. The cover 25a is of a length and width to cover the open top of the box and its free end is provided with a downturned flap 2! for insertion into the pocket P when the cover is in closed position. The cover may also be provided with downturned side flaps 25 for closing the joint between the sides of the cover and the top edges of the side walls 20-20.

In Figure 7 there is illustrated a further adaptation of the invention, wherein the outer end walls have inturned top flaps 25b formed integral therewith along the hinge score |5 to provide cover rests for a cover 29. The cover 29 is integral with the top edge of one of the side walls 20 along a hinge score 30 and has a front flap 3| insertible into the box against the other wall 20 when the cover is closed. When closed, the free side edges of the cover 29 rest upon the inturned rest flaps 25b.

In Figures 8 to 10, inclusive, I have illustrated a modified form of my invention wherein it is embodied in a folding box construction somewhat similar to that set forth in Ringler Patent No. 2,220,121 granted November 5, 1940. The folding box shown in set up position in Figure 9 is formed from the cardboard blank C illustrated in Figure 8. The blank C is substantially rectangular and comprises a bottom wall 40, outer end walls 4|-4| hingedly connected to the bottom wall 40 along the transverse score lines 42-42 and side walls 43-43 hingedly connected to the bottom wall 40 along the longitudinal score lines 44-44. The side walls 43 and end walls 4| are connected by folding corner webs, each of which comprises a triangular shaped web section 45 hinged to one end of the side wall 43 along the score line 45 and a triangular shaped. web section 4'! hinged to the adjacent end of the outer end wall 4| along the score line 40. The web sections 45 and 41 are hingedly connected along the diagonal score lines 45 which extend from the corners of the bottom wall to the free side edges of the blank.

Connected to the web sections 41 along hinge scores are inner end wall sections 5| having flaps 52 connected thereto along hinge scores 52. The sections 5| along one longitudinal side of the blank are provided with extension portions 54 to receive a dab of glue 55 from a glue roller when the blank is passed through an automatic folding and gluing machine. When the pairs of section 5| at the ends of the blank are folded inwardly, they overlap and are secured together by th glue 55 to provide a single inner end wall. The blank is initially folded on the score lines 44 and 48, with the glue sides of the extension portions facing and engaging the other section 5| of that pair. When the blank C is folded and glued in the manner just described it is in collapsed condition for subsequent hand folding to set up position in a manner to be presently explained.

Connected to the outer end walls 4| along hinge scores 55 are inwardly foldable top flaps 51 similar to the flaps 25 and serving the same purpose.

To set up the box from the initial folded and glued position, the operator grasps the glued together inner end wall sections 5| and pulls upwardly thereon to cause the outer end walls 4| to swing upward on the hinge scores 42, th side walls 43 being simultaneously pulled upwardly by hinging on the score lines 44. As the walls 4| and 43 move to upstanding position, the web sections 45 fold upon and against their companion web sections 50, the latter flatly fitting against the inner side of the adjacent outer end walls 4|. The operator now folds the lapped glued together inner end walls 5| inwardly within the box body to a, position flat against the folded corner web sections 45, which causes the sections 53 to strike the bottom wall 40 and flatly fold thereagainst by hinging on the score line 53. The end edges of the sections 5| frictionally engage the inner sides of the side walls 43, whereby the box is held in set up position for use. After the box has been filled, the top flaps 51 are folded inwardly to a horizontal position on the hinge scores 55, and the box with its contents is wrapped in a sheet of transparent Cellophane to confine the contents and to expose the same to view for inspection.

Whereas the inner end wall sections or flaps 5| are less than the width of the box, one of said sections 5| may be equal to the full width of the box and the other narrow glue flap if desired. In such construction the seam between the glue sections 5| would be adjacent the comer of a side wall and not visible when the box is in erected position.

In Figure 11 of the drawings, I have illustrated a further modified form which is similar to the box body shown in Figure 6, except that the top flaps 25 are left off both ends to provide pockets P-P to receive th free end walls or tongues 50-50 of a separate removable telescoping cover 5|.

The pockets P ma also be used to receive leaflets containing printed matter pertaining to the merchandise packed in the box. Also, a price tag may be inserted into the pocket when the box containing merchandise is placed on display.

From the foregoing description it will be understood that in all adaptations of the invention, the box is provided with folding end wall structures wherein inner and outer walls are provided. the outer walls having integral inwardly folding top flaps which may be used for display purposes, for a cover, or for cover supporting flaps. Whereas several adaptations of the invention have been disclosed herein, it is to be understood that other modifications of the invention may be resorted to as come within the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described the invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is:

1. A folding box comprising a single blank of cardboard which is cut, scored, folded, and glued to provide a rectangular bottom wall, opposed upright side walls integral with the bottom wall, opposed foldable side wall structures cooperating with the aforementioned side walls to complete the four side walls of the box, each of said foldable side wall structures comprising an inner wall, triangular shaped folding web connecting the inner wall with the respective side walls along hinge scores, said webs being flatly foldable against the inner wall, a locking flap integral with the top f the inner wall and connected thereto along a hinge score, said locking flap being of a width and height approximating that of the inner wall and folded inwardly thereover with its free end edge frictionally abutting the first named side walls and bottom wall, an outer wall having one of its ends connected to one end of the inner wall along a hinge score and its bottom edge integral with the bottom wall and connected thereto along a hinge score, and a glue flap integral with the other end of the inner wall and glued to the inner side of the outer wall.

2. A folding box as set forth in claim 1, including top flaps integral with the top of the outer walls of the folding side wall structures and connected thereto along hinge scores, said top flaps being foldable inwardly to overlie the open top of the box.

3. A folding box as set forth in claim 1, in which the space between the inner and outer walls of one of the folding side wall structures constitutes an open pocket, a cover integral with the outer wall of the other opposed folding side wall structure and connected to the top thereof by a hinge score, and a downturned locking flap provided on the cover for reception in said pocket when the cover is swung to a closed position over the open top of the box.

4. A folding box formed from a single blank of cardboard including a bottom wall, a pair of side walls and a pair of outer end walls hinged to said bottom wall, folding corner webs hinged to the adjacent ends of said side and end walls, a score line extending diagonally across said corner webs dividing each of said corner webs into substantially triangular shaped web sections with one section hinged to the side wall and the other section hinged to and overlying the adjacent outer end wall, inner end wall flap sections hinged to those sections which are hinged to the adjacent outer end wall, the pair of flap sections at each end overlapping and being adhesively secured to provide a single inner end wall locking flap which is folded inwardly and downwardly against the folded corner web sections and having frictional engagement with the side walls, and top flaps hinged to and integral with the outer end walls and folded inwardly therefrom to a substantially horizontal position.

5. A folding box formed from a single blank of cardboard including a bottom wall, a pair of side walls and a pair of outer end walls hinged to said bottom wall, folding corner webs hinged to the adjacent ends of said side and end walls, a score line extending diagonally across said corner webs dividing each of said corner webs into substantially triangular shaped web sections with one section hinged to the side wall and the other section hinged to and overlying the adjacent outer end wall, inner end wall flap sections hinged to those sections which are hinged to the adjacent outer end wall, the pair of flap sections at each end overlapping and being adhesively secured to provide a single inner end wall locking fiap which is folded inwardly and downwardly against the folded corner web sections and having frictional engagement with the side walls, the space between each outer end wall and the adjacent folded comer webs constituting a pocket opening at the top thereof.

6. A folding box as set forth in claim 5 including in combination, a separable telescoping cover having downwardly extending end flaps respectively disposed in the pockets for securing the cover over the open top of the box.

7. A folding box comprising a single blank of cardboard which is cut, scored and folded along the scores to provide a rectangular bottom wall, opposed side walls hingedly connected to the bottom wall, opposed outer end walls integral with and hingedly connected to said bottom wall, inner end walls of a width approximating that of the outer end walls and being connected thereto and to the side walls along hinge scores, diagonal converging hinge scores provided in each of the inner end walls to provide foldable corner webs foldable flat against the adjacent outer end walls, inner end wall locking flaps connected to the top of the inner end walls along a straight hinge score and folded inwardly and downwardly relative thereto to a position overlapping the folded corner webs to prevent unfolding of the same to maintain the aforesaid walls in fixed set up position, the fold between the locking flaps and the inner end walls constituting the top edges of the inner end walls, and a folding top flap integral with the top edge of one of the outer end walls and connected thereto along a hinge score parallel to the hinge score between each locking flap and its related inner end wall for horizontal infolding over the open top of the box.

DAVID LEVKOFF. 

